Trusting God's Plan: Stewardship and Faith in Action
Summary
In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves in circumstances that seem to defy the promises of God. Yet, it is in these very moments that God is orchestrating a greater plan for our lives, much like He did for Joseph in the biblical narrative. Joseph's story is a testament to the transformative power of God's providence. From the depths of a prison cell to the heights of Egyptian power, Joseph's life was a canvas upon which God painted a picture of redemption and purpose. His ability to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh was not just a personal triumph but a divine strategy to save nations from famine. This serves as a reminder that our current position is not indicative of our final destination when we place our trust in God.
Stewardship is a concept deeply rooted in the understanding that we are managers, not owners, of the resources God has entrusted to us. This includes our time, talents, and treasures. As stewards, we are called to act responsibly and ethically, recognizing that our management of God's resources has implications beyond our personal interests. The story of Joseph, who managed Potiphar's household and later the resources of Egypt, exemplifies this principle. His faithfulness in little things led to greater responsibilities and blessings, not just for himself but for the entire known world at the time.
The Holy Spirit is an ever-present help in our lives, a source of power and guidance that we often underutilize. As believers, we are equipped with this divine Helper who can assist us in all aspects of life, from finding lost items to making critical decisions. The Holy Spirit's role is to be our advocate and comforter, empowering us to live out our faith effectively.
Our relationship with God is also reflected in how we honor Him with our substance. To honor God means to hold Him in the highest respect and to acknowledge His sovereignty over all things, including our possessions. We honor God by recognizing that everything we have is His and by using our resources to glorify Him and further His kingdom.
Finally, the principle of giving is central to our walk with God. The act of returning tithes and offerings is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual discipline that acknowledges God's ownership and our trust in His provision. It is a tangible expression of our faith and a means through which God promises to bless us abundantly.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's plan for our lives often involves a journey from the lowest points to positions of influence and responsibility. Like Joseph, we may face trials and imprisonment of various forms, but through faith and trust in God, we can rise to fulfill the purposes He has for us. Our current struggles are not the end of our story; they are the preparation for God's greater plan. [03:02:55]
2. Stewardship is not about ownership but about managing God's resources on behalf of others. Joseph's management of Potiphar's house and later Egypt demonstrates that when we are faithful in managing little, God entrusts us with more. Our faithfulness in stewardship can lead to blessings that extend beyond our personal sphere, impacting the lives of others. [02:57:45]
3. The Holy Spirit is a powerful presence in our lives, ready to assist us in every challenge we face. Whether it's academic struggles, mechanical issues, or personal confusion, invoking the Holy Spirit can bring about solutions and clarity. This divine Helper is always available to us, and we should actively seek His guidance in all things. [02:49:09]
4. Honoring God with our substance goes beyond mere words; it involves practical actions such as managing our time wisely, utilizing our talents for His glory, and caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we demonstrate our reverence for God and our commitment to living according to His principles. [03:23:01]
5. The practice of returning tithes and offerings is a testament to our faith in God's provision and promises. It is not about the amount we give but the recognition that everything belongs to God. When we give faithfully, we open ourselves to the blessings God has in store for us, and we participate in the work of His kingdom. [03:33:59]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 39:1-6 (Joseph in Potiphar's House)
2. Genesis 41:14-16, 39-41 (Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams)
3. Malachi 3:10 (Tithes and Offerings)
#### Observation Questions
1. What responsibilities were given to Joseph in Potiphar's house, and how did he manage them? (Genesis 39:1-6)
2. How did Joseph respond when Pharaoh asked him to interpret his dreams? (Genesis 41:14-16)
3. What promise does God make in Malachi 3:10 regarding tithes and offerings?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Joseph's journey from being a slave to becoming a ruler in Egypt illustrate the concept of God's greater plan for our lives? (Genesis 41:39-41) [03:02:55]
2. In what ways does Joseph's management of Potiphar's household and later Egypt exemplify the principles of stewardship? (Genesis 39:1-6) [02:57:45]
3. How does the promise in Malachi 3:10 challenge our understanding of giving and God's provision? [03:33:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "prison" or low point in your life. How did you see God's hand at work during that time, and how did it prepare you for a greater purpose? [03:02:55]
2. Joseph was faithful in managing the resources entrusted to him, even in difficult circumstances. How can you apply the principles of stewardship in your own life, particularly in managing your time, talents, and treasures? [02:57:45]
3. The Holy Spirit is described as an ever-present help in our lives. Can you recall a situation where you felt the guidance or comfort of the Holy Spirit? How can you become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? [02:49:09]
4. Honoring God with our substance involves practical actions. What are some specific ways you can honor God with your time, talents, and body this week? [03:23:01]
5. The act of returning tithes and offerings is a testament to our faith in God's provision. How does your current practice of giving reflect your trust in God? What steps can you take to grow in this area? [03:33:59]
6. Joseph's story shows that our current struggles are not the end of our story. How can you maintain faith and trust in God during challenging times, knowing that He has a greater plan for you? [03:02:55]
7. Think of a specific resource (time, talent, or treasure) that you have been entrusted with. How can you use this resource to bless others and further God's kingdom this week? [02:57:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Unseen Plan
God's plan unfolds in unexpected ways, often leading us from trials to triumph. Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace was not a stroke of luck but a divine orchestration. Despite being sold into slavery and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph's faith remained steadfast. In the darkness of his circumstances, he could not see the full picture of God's plan, which was far greater than he could have imagined. It was through these trials that Joseph was prepared for his eventual role as a leader in Egypt, where he not only found personal vindication but also became a savior to nations during a time of famine. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when our current situation seems to contradict His promises. Our challenges are not roadblocks but rather the training ground for a larger purpose that God has in store for us. [03:02:55]
Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Reflection: Consider a difficult situation you are currently facing. How might God be using this as preparation for something greater in your life?
Day 2: Faithful Stewardship Transforms Lives
Stewardship is the faithful management of all that God entrusts to our care. Joseph's life exemplifies this principle through his diligent oversight of Potiphar's household and later, the resources of Egypt. His integrity and wisdom in managing small responsibilities led to his rise in power and influence, ultimately allowing him to administer a strategy that saved many lives during a severe famine. This teaches us that our faithfulness in the seemingly insignificant aspects of life can have far-reaching effects. By acting responsibly and ethically with the time, talents, and treasures God has given us, we can impact the world in ways we may never fully comprehend. Our stewardship is a reflection of our trust in God and His ability to multiply our efforts for His glory. [02:57:45]
Luke 16:10 (ESV)
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Reflection: What is one small area of your life where you can improve your stewardship, and how can this faithfulness lead to greater opportunities for service?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit as Our Divine Helper
The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, offering guidance, wisdom, and strength in every aspect of life. This divine Helper is not a distant force but an active presence, ready to assist us in our daily challenges, from the mundane to the monumental. The Holy Spirit empowers us to make wise decisions, overcome obstacles, and pursue our calling with confidence. As believers, we are encouraged to lean on this spiritual resource, inviting the Holy Spirit into every situation we face. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's presence and the peace that comes from divine direction. [02:49:09]
Romans 8:26 (ESV)
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."
Reflection: In what specific situation do you need the Holy Spirit's guidance today, and how can you be more intentional about seeking His help?
Day 4: Honoring God with Our Whole Being
To honor God with our substance is to acknowledge His lordship over every aspect of our lives. This includes how we manage our finances, time, and abilities. It is a tangible expression of our worship and devotion to God, demonstrating that we value His principles above our own desires. When we use our resources to glorify God and advance His kingdom, we are not only honoring Him but also aligning ourselves with His purposes. Our bodies, too, are temples of the Holy Spirit, and caring for them is part of our spiritual act of worship. By living in a way that honors God, we become a living testimony of His grace and goodness. [03:23:01]
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Reflection: What is one way you can honor God with your resources this week, and how does this act of worship reflect your relationship with Him?
Day 5: Giving as an Act of Faith and Trust
The practice of giving is a profound act of faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision. When we return tithes and offer gifts, we are not merely engaging in a religious duty but expressing our trust in God's ability to provide for our needs. This discipline of giving goes beyond the act itself; it is a statement of belief that everything we possess is a blessing from God and that He is faithful to His promises. As we give, we open ourselves to the blessings God has prepared for us and participate in the expansion of His kingdom. Our generosity becomes a testament to our faith and a catalyst for God's work in the world. [03:33:59]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How does your current practice of giving reflect your trust in God's provision, and what steps can you take to grow in this area of faith?
Quotes
1) "God is just waiting for you to come to Him with your problems, with your trials, with your hardships, your aches and your pain. Whatever it is, He says, come to me and I will take care of it." [02:47:36] (Download | Download cropped video)
2) "Joseph's brothers threw him in a pit. He was traded to Potiphar, and in Potiphar's home, he realized that God allowed him, after his brothers did him dirty, to be placed in a place where it was given control of everything that the man had." [02:57:45] (Download | )
3) "When you're faithful to God in those little things, the tithe, the little things he tells you to be faithful, he blesses you beyond. When you see me and Sister Sherrod, we might look good, but we don't have no money. But God can make you look good when you're broke." [02:58:49] (Download | )
4) "You could be in the bottom right now. You could have been in prison. You could have had a bad reputation. But if you turn your life around to God, he can make you second. He can make you number one." [03:02:55] (Download | )
5) "One way that we can honor God today is honor God with your time. When they were talking about the harvest, you know, we had the harvest program, I let you know that time is like money. When an hour passed, you'd never get that back." [03:23:01] (Download | )
6) "God says to bring you all the tithe, where? Into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me not herewith, said the Lord of hosts, if I should not what? Open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out of what? Of blessing." [03:24:32] (Download | )
7) "God says when you return your faithful tithe, he's going to open up windows. Count the windows in this place. How many doors you have? There's less doors in a home than there are windows. God says I'm going to open up the window of heaven and pour you out of blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." [03:25:18] (Download | )
8) "The decisions that you make will determine whether you make it to heaven or not. Because the Bible says, if you don't return a faithful tithe and offering, you are robbing God. Which means that you are a thief." [03:30:49] (Download | )
9) "God has a way of taking money and where it seems like a subtraction, he's adding all the time. But you got to trust him." [03:31:40] (Download | )
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